The 8 Most Beautiful Countries to Visit In Your Lifetime

Isn’t picking the best country in the world a bit like being asked to pick your favorite kid? It just doesn’t seem right! Still, we’re going to give it a go. Like you, we’ve spun ourselves around the globe a time or two – but we keep returning to a specific handful of countries time and time again. 

We hope that our love for each of these destinations will rub off on you and they’ll end up holding a special place in your heart, as well. From the West Coast of the United States to the top of the boot in Italy, we’ve outlined a few reasons why these countries are a must-see any time of the year. 

The United States of America

Visiting the 50 states feels a bit like visiting 50 different countries all on its own. We often debate which coast is the best coast. And, to answer that question, here are 30 of the most charming spots to visit on the  East Coast, as well as 30 of the most charming spots to visit on the West Coast. 

Over on the East, you have metropolises like New York and Miami. You also have quainter towns like Bar Harbor, Maine, and St. Petersburg, Florida. Then, on the West Coast, you can’t escape a trip to California, specifically sunny San Diego before heading up to pretty Portland, and Seattle. 

With desert oases in Santa Fe and parts of Texas, as well as the rolling hills of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado and Montana, you can land anywhere in the U.S. and have a most magnificent time.

Chile 

Goodness – we had a really tough time honing in on just one South American country. But, we thought you might like to head south after your trip to Texas. Chile is consistently ranked as one of the safest, so we’ll take you there. 

It holds its own in a sea of colorful countries, whether you’re enjoying the city scene in Santiago or immersing yourself in the Patagonian landscape. As for beaches, you can’t escape the turquoise waters of Bahía Inglesa. It’s one of the most Caribbean-like beaches you’ll find along the Chilean coastline. 

Then, if you brought your hiking boots, you have the Sendero Sierra Nevada – a popular day trip within Conguillío National Park. And, if you can believe it, there’s even some desert terrain for you to hike, especially if you’re in the mood to see some Mars-like mountains in the Atacama Desert. Like the U.S., Chile pretty much has it all. 

Canada

If you’d like to head north from Seattle, instead of south from Texas, let’s take you on a tour of Canada. Starting on the West Coast, we’d have to put Banff down as one of the must-see spots, especially if you’re a lover of the outdoors. It’s all about those bright blue waters, as well. But, this time, instead of the ocean, it’s pretty little lakes ensconced by the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains. 

If you’re more of a city-goer, Victoria is a wonderful stopping point. It’s on the southern tip of Vancouver Island and has a delightful European flair to it. Of course, Butchart Gardens is one of the city’s top treasures. 

Over on the East Coast, you can have a magical Christmas in Québec City, particularly when Old Québec lights up like a snow globe. Toronto is another feast for the eyes – filled with marketplaces, bustling neighborhoods, gardens, and nearby islands. For more on that, here’s a long list of what to do in Toronto. And, if you’d like to make your way to Europe from here, let’s head up to Newfoundland before setting sail!   

Ireland

Oh dear. Where do we even start? Let’s take you to the West Coast. We’ll start all the way at the top in Donegal, filled with magical forests and seaside hikes. For a real treat, be sure you stay a night or two in Lough Eske Castle. 

Then, we’ll make our way down the coast to the Connemara region, filled with glorious mountains, shimmering lakes, and easy access to the Atlantic. Moving further south, we’d highly recommend a stop in Galway City for all the traditional Irish music, or trad, your heart can handle. For more on that, here’s a first-time travel guide to Galway. 

Continuing along what’s called The Wild Atlantic Way, we’d highly recommend a stopover on the Dingle Peninsula for more showstopping coastal drives like Slea Head Drive. Then, we can round things out in County Cork, which is filled with colorful towns like Clonakilty, Kinsale, and Cobh. If you fly out of Dublin, be sure to make a stopover in The Wicklow Mountains so you can see what heaven’s winds feel like.